Uasin Gishu Environment CeC Mary Njogu with other officials during a tree planting exercise in Kaptagat forest on June 27, 2017. [Photo: hivisasa.com]
In one of the concerted efforts to conserve water sources, over 10,000 tree seedlings were on Tuesday planted at the Kaptagat forest, a major source of water for residents of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
The tree planting exercise was jointly organised by the ministry of Environment, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the County governments of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet where the forest covers.
Speaking during the event at the Sibor Primary school in Tembelio ward, Uasin Gishu, the Principle Secretary at the State department of Natural Resources Dr Margret Mwakima said for the past four years the government had put in place measures that has seen the country's forest cover increase.
“We've so far managed to increase the forest cover from 6.8 per cent to 7.4 per cent and we believe we are on the right track towards reaching the intended target of 10 per cent by 2030,” noted Dr Mwakima.
On his part, the Uasin Gishu Deputy Govenor Daniel Chemno reaffirmed teir commitment to helping the country achieve the 10 percent forest cover.
He revealed that Sh1 million has been allocated by the County government to help in ensuring more tree seedlings are planted at the Kaptagat forest.
“We also intent to hold regular tree planting exercises across the county even as we will keep sensitizing our people on the importance and the need to plant trees in their farms,” Chemno noted.